Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney leaves the main stage with his wife Ann after her speech to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) less

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney leaves the main stage with his wife Ann after her speech to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott ... more

Photo: AP

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U.S. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney sits with his wife Ann after she addressed the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

U.S. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney sits with his wife Ann after she addressed the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Photo: AP

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Ann Romney blows a kiss after being greeted by her husband Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney on stage the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) less

Ann Romney blows a kiss after being greeted by her husband Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney on stage the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott ... more

Ann Romney, wife of U.S. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, waves as she walks up to the podium to address the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) less

Ann Romney, wife of U.S. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, waves as she walks up to the podium to address the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP ... more

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum gives a thumbs up to delegates after his speech during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum gives a thumbs up to delegates after his speech during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Law enforcement officers block a downtown street during an organized protest on the first full day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Republican party delegates were prepared to affirm Mitt Romney as the party's nominee as the convention began its first full session after the start was delayed due to Hurricane Isaac. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images) less

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Law enforcement officers block a downtown street during an organized protest on the first full day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 ... more

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Protesters walk together through the streets on the first full day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Republican party delegates were prepared to affirm Mitt Romney as the party's nominee as the convention began its first full session after the start was delayed due to Hurricane Isaac. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Protesters walk together through the streets on the first full day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The ... more

Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Protesters march through a downtown street during an organized protest on the first full day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Republican party delegates were prepared to affirm Mitt Romney as the party's nominee as the convention began its first full session after the start was delayed due to Hurricane Isaac. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images) less

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Protesters march through a downtown street during an organized protest on the first full day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in ... more

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Sons of Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney Craig Romney (L) and Josh Romney look on during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Today is the first full session of the RNC after the start was delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) less

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Sons of Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney Craig Romney (L) and Josh Romney look on during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay ... more

Photo: Win McNamee / Getty Images

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Ann Romney wife of Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, speaks on stage during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Today is the first full session of the RNC after the start was delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac. ( Spencer Platt/Getty Images) less

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Ann Romney wife of Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, speaks on stage during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on ... more

Photo: Spencer Platt / Getty Images

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Supporters waive signs as Ann Romney speaks about husband and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and her family at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, on August 28, 2012 during the Republican National Convention. (Robyn BECKROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages) less

Supporters waive signs as Ann Romney speaks about husband and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and her family at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, on August 28, 2012 during the ... more

Photo: ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images

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Texas delegates cheer as Mitt Romney is nominated for the Office of the President of the United States at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Texas delegates cheer as Mitt Romney is nominated for the Office of the President of the United States at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

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Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and his wife Ann wave to delegates following her speech at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and his wife Ann wave to delegates following her speech at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Photo: Lynne Sladky / Associated Press

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Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, left, talks with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) less

Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, left, talks with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 in Tampa, ... more

Photo: Evan Vucci / Associated Press

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Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney stands at the podium for a sound check before the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) less

Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney stands at the podium for a sound check before the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. ... more

Photo: AP

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Supporters cheer as the displays of Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney appear on the stage at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Supporters cheer as the displays of Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney appear on the stage at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

Photo: AP

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A delegate from Texas listens to the National Anthem at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, on August 28, 2012 during the Republican National Convention. The 2012 Republican National Convention is expected to host 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories. (Robyn BECKROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages) less

A delegate from Texas listens to the National Anthem at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, on August 28, 2012 during the Republican National Convention. The 2012 Republican National Convention is ... more

William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys arrives on the floor of the Republican National Convention for a sound check in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys arrives on the floor of the Republican National Convention for a sound check in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Photo: AP

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Texas delegates David Watrous from Dallas and Alice Rekeweg from Houston watch as the Oak Ridge Boys perform during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman) less

Texas delegates David Watrous from Dallas and Alice Rekeweg from Houston watch as the Oak Ridge Boys perform during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP ... more

Demonstrators walk and raise their fists during a protest, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in the Ybor City section of Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) less

Demonstrators walk and raise their fists during a protest, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in the Ybor City section of Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National ... more

Photo: AP

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Demonstrators walk during a protest, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in the Ybor City section of Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) less

Demonstrators walk during a protest, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in the Ybor City section of Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention. (AP ... more

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Chairman, Tampa Host Committee Al Austin speaks during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Today is the first full session of the RNC after the start was delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) less

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Chairman, Tampa Host Committee Al Austin speaks during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Today is the first full ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: A sign reads "We Built It" as delegates stand on the floor during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Today is the first full session of the RNC after the start was delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) less

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: A sign reads "We Built It" as delegates stand on the floor during the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. Today is the ... more

Photo: Win McNamee / Getty Images

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Demonstrators walk with a Mitt Romney type puppet during a protest march, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention. (Dave Martin/AP) less

Demonstrators walk with a Mitt Romney type puppet during a protest march, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National ... more

Photo: Dave Martin / Associated Press

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Delegates crowd the floor at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, on August 28, 2012 during the Republican National Convention. The 2012 Republican National Convention is expected to host 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories. AFP PHOTO Stan HONDASTAN HONDA/AFP/GettyImages less

Delegates crowd the floor at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, on August 28, 2012 during the Republican National Convention. The 2012 Republican National Convention is expected to host 2,286 ... more

Photo: STAN HONDA / AFP/Getty Images

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Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul (L) speaks to a supporter from Texas at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, on August 28, 2012 during the Republican National Convention. The 2012 Republican National Convention is expected to host 2,286 delegates and 2,125 alternate delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories. (Robyn BECKROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages) less

Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul (L) speaks to a supporter from Texas at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Florida, on August 28, 2012 during the Republican National Convention. The 2012 Republican ... more

Republican National Committee Co-Chairman Sharon Day address delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (Charlie Neibergall/AP)

Republican National Committee Co-Chairman Sharon Day address delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (Charlie Neibergall/AP)

Photo: Charlie Neibergall / Associated Press

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U.S. Rep Michele Bachman, R-Minn., talks to delegates on the floor at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

U.S. Rep Michele Bachman, R-Minn., talks to delegates on the floor at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

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Texas alternate delegate Linda Patterson from Grand Prairie, Texas raises her arms up in the air to pray at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

Texas alternate delegate Linda Patterson from Grand Prairie, Texas raises her arms up in the air to pray at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Several protesters from Code Pink lay under sheets to bring attention to the casualties of foreign conflicts outside the Straz Center for the Performing Arts during the National Republican Convention on August 28, 2012 in downtown Tampa, Florida. The Code Pink protesters were on hand to perform a citizen's arrest on Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for her involvement in the U.S. lead wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. (Photo by Edward Linsmier/Getty Images) less

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Several protesters from Code Pink lay under sheets to bring attention to the casualties of foreign conflicts outside the Straz Center for the Performing Arts during the National ... more

Photo: Edward Linsmier / Getty Images

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A Code Pink demonstrator chants at a venue where former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was to speak, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention. (Chris O'Meara/AP) less

A Code Pink demonstrator chants at a venue where former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was to speak, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. Protestors gathered in Tampa to march in demonstration against ... more

Photo: Chris O\\\'Meara / Associated Press

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Sheriff Deputies stand guard as protesters walk past on the first full day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Republican party delegates were prepared to affirm Mitt Romney as the party's nominee as the convention began its first full session after the start was delayed due to Tropical Storm Isaac. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) less

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 28: Sheriff Deputies stand guard as protesters walk past on the first full day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on August 28, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The ... more

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio watches as Mitt Romney is nominated for the Office of the President of the United States during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP) less

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio watches as Mitt Romney is nominated for the Office of the President of the United States during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. ... more

Photo: J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press

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Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, supporters from Maine gather on the hall way during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (David Goldman/AP)

Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, supporters from Maine gather on the hall way during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (David Goldman/AP)

A worker in front of a picture display of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, is silhouetted on the main stage of the Republican National Convention in the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) less

A worker in front of a picture display of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, is silhouetted on the main stage of the Republican National Convention in the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., ... more

Ted Cruz’ stem-winding speech, given without benefit of a podium, connecting equally effectively with television and live audiences, prowling the stage like a barely controlled predator, passion infusing every well-chosen word. He looked like precisely what he is — a political star on the rise. Maybe he looked so good because of the act he followed:

Lowlight

Rick Santorum’s tortuously themed, overly long “hands” speech, a warmed-over version of his well-worn stump address. Despite its personal, emotional theme, it failed to convey nearly as much personal connection as did Cruz’ words. Santorum, by contrast, looked like a politician whose time has come and gone.

Random pundit comments:

“If that man in Missouri who I knew and liked as a congressman does not step aside not only does that state go Democrat but I’m watching the numbers and Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are collapsing in Missouri as we speak.” - Frank Luntz, GOP pollster

“The fact that Romney isn’t always the best or most charismatic speaker can obscure the fact that he’s a very, very good politician.” - Ezra Klein, Washington Post columnist/blogger

Overheard in the hall:

“Romney’s good, but he’s got to let his hair down — and watch his mouth.” - Sarah Von Dran, president of Clear Creek Republican Women and a guest of RNC at the convention

With Hurricane Isaac making landfall within minutes after the roll call vote, the storm infused the entire convention. Concern for those in the Isaac’s path was widely expressed, but the political implications were also on everyone’s lips. Although some delegates rejected any thought that the hurricane should have any impact on the proceedings — “We are the storm,” said one dismissive North Carolina delegate — many were much more attuned to both the human and political risks. The Florida delegation asked for a moment of silence during the Romney nomination roll call, and in her speech Ann Romney celebrated initial favorable reports from New Orleans.

That’s Entertainment

GE Smith & the GE Smith Band, the “house band” of the RNC, had delegates up and stomping during the breaks. Smith is probably best-known as the guitarist on Saturday Night Live, but he was also Bob Dylan’s touring band lead guitarist in the late ’80s and the lead guitarist with Hall & Oates.

Good cop, bad cop

Masterful scheduling produced the contrast between sweet, fresh-cookies-from-the-oven warmth of Ann Romney and expertly delivered, Republican-base-arousing bombast from Chris Christie. Both performed spectacularly.

Blast from Past GOP Conventions:

Herbert Hoover, then 86, spoke at the 1960 convention, decrying the “moral decay” in America. At that time America’s only living Republican ex-president, Hoover had been honored in “farewell” ceremonies at each convention since 1948. “Apparently my last three good-byes didn’t take,” he joked in 1960. He lived to see the 1964 convention, but could not attend because of ill health and died later that year.